Former West Ham striker Tony Cottee believes the start to the season gives new targets for our Hammers, ahead of the Europa League commencement tomorrow night.

It has been a positive and welcome start to the campaign for West Ham, with the club in the top 6 of the league after the opening 5 matches played – having only lost to treble winners and Premier League champions Manchester City thus far.

The stunning Europa Conference League trophy success last season meant that European football has now been realised in east London for 3 consecutive campaigns for David Moyes’ side, with our next venture in the Europa League kicking off tomorrow against Serbian side Backa Topola at the London Stadium.

Former striker and our very own Tony Cottee, who was speaking exclusively on ‘The Cottee Cast’ on The West Ham Way Patreon, stated that the start to the season gives real optimism in east London, and has shifted the expectations of what can be achieved.

“Before the start of the season, I think it would be fair to say mid-table and a real push to do well in Europe again,” said Cottee. “But I’ll be honest I think this side can achieve more.

“Now I think we want to see West Ham build on this start. I think the aim should be to win more silverware, Europa League has to be a priority and the club looking to finish in the European places in the Premier League this season.”

There is no denying that the trophy success last season has shifted the mindsets at West Ham, with a feeling now there is more to come in the coming years as our Hammers look to build on the recent glory and compete with the top sides domestically and across Europe.